10.30.2017

I am very slowly (but surely) reaching the end of my Rockies Roadtrip posts! Lol. Just a few more days left. It has been so long now I don't really remember all the details that clearly from the final days. On our second day in Jasper (or I should say, McBride) we visited the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk. It was quite an adventure.

In the morning we started making the ~5hr drive to the Icefield, with a stop in Jasper. Along the way we started to run out of gas. We began making plans to hitchhike to the nearest gas station and back if our car stopped. Worst part was that on the entire stretch of the highway, there was no cell phone reception so we couldn't call for help if we wanted to. That was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the trip. The gas light kept flashing and we were at the final moments when we were able to pull into the Icefield parking lot. We went in to the centre to ask the information desk for help on what to do. At that moment was the luckiest moment of our trip. Connected to the centre is a hotel, and the guy calmly told us to go there as they sold gas. We were instantly relieved and went to purchase some for maybe double the price that it would have been at a gas station. I think we bought half a tank? But then the guy who filled it up for us did it all the way so we got lucky again hahah.

After that we were off to the Icefield. We went on these huge buses that brought us on a ~15min drive onto the glacier. At the glacier we had maybe 20 minutes to walk around and collect some glacier water.

I think our guide told us he knew someone who went hiking up there and came across a cougar's den which I actually thought was pretty cool..though dangerous for him lol.

Up ahead you can see a very steep incline (a lot steeper than it looks in pictures)

After the Icefield, we headed to the skywalk. I was pretty excited for this as I've never been on a skywalk before and this was something new for me (as it wasn't built the last time I visited here). The views were amazing. My friend and I each took a rock from here as a souvenir hahah.

10.18.2017

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to experience the VIP lounge of Cirque du Soleil's VOLTA show here in Toronto. We had the opportunity to discover the new VIP space and sample the entire menu of complimentary cocktails and VOLTA-inspired hors d'oeuvres. It was a fun afternoon and the food was delicious!

This 41st creation of Cirque du Soleil tells the spellbinding story of the freedom to choose and the thrill of blazing your own trail. Taking inspiration from the adventurous spirit of action sports, the show weaves the adrenaline rush of acrobatics into a visually stunning world to captivate audiences.

Keeping with the show's theme of "transformation", Cirque took the opportunity to create a brand new VIP experience to suit the atmosphere and aesthetics of the newest creation. The VIP Suite consists of ten cubic blocks with glass walls and a flat roof. At the VIP lounge, guests can enjoy delicious passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails from local Toronto caterer, 10tation Event Catering, before the show.

This was my absolute favourite. I could've eaten them all day.
Nori crisp, soy/miso king and oyster mushrooms, cured egg yolk and green onions.

Duck confit, amarena cherry and gorgonzola creme fraiche.

Itsumo ahi tuna, taro root taco, avocado salsa.

These vegan salads were amazing as well.

The live cooking station serving braised beef short ribs served on soft polenta with onion rings and orange gremolata.

Manchego and ricotta croquette, truffle honey, roasted figs.

VOLTA is on under the Big Top at Toronto Port Lands until November 26 2017. Tickets can be purchased online here: Cirque du Soleil VOLTA. VIP tickets start at $275 and consists of: complimentary parking, open bar cocktail reception, the absolute best seats in the house (best views as well as being larger, extra cushioned and more comfortable!), separate washrooms, coatcheck, popcorn, a show program and more.

I am a huge fan of the Cirque shows. Last year I attended the Luzia show and VIP experience as well. I look forward to watching this year's as well!

10.16.2017

The past couple of weeks felt like a dream. A lot has happened..mostly good things, and I definitely am not taking anything for granted. I really have to force myself to start updating my blog more often again (as I always say hahah). I'm going to make a serious effort to do so again. Just have to be better at managing my time & priorities. I feel I have more motivation these days though.

On Friday we went to Legends of Horror at Casa Loma which was so much fun!! I really enjoyed it. I've never gone to these types of things before and haven't celebrated Halloween in many years but this year I kind of want to go all out for it. Actually it will depend on if I can decide on/get a costume in time. For Legends of Horror you walk around the gardens of the castle, a haunted house, then stop for a drink (which I would not recommend - worst tasting cocktails ever lol) at the bar...then through the haunted underground tunnel to the horse stables.

Lately I've become obsessed with the club sandwich in my lobby bar lol

Washroom selfie at Earls last night. I went there for dinner last night to catch up with a friend..we stayed for over three hours there I'm pretty sure. Half our time was spent laughing about our waiter, who was THE MOST cringey waiter ever. He was overly friendly and did/said a lot of un-natural things we knew was just an obvious attempt at getting a larger tip lol. It was so funny though.

This Thanksgiving was very special to me, mostly because I have a lot to be thankful for this year and also because one month ago I had a dream about my Thanksgiving weekend which was something I was hoping would come true. & it actually did in a way. A few friends/neighbours and I went to O&B down the street from us for our turkey dinner. It was so good and a nice relaxing evening.